Margaux and Katherine ready to roll.
We mounted the bikes and headed along the "low road" which traverses the island. This was the same trail as yesterday, but we were going farther; all the way to Dun Aengus. We stopped at the seal colony once again, and saw quite a few of them popping up from the water to smile at us. On the return trip we wanted to take the "high road" though houses and hopefully get a nice view of the ocean.
I noticed this pheasant along the way.
Margaux taking in the cool morning breeze. The water was super clear and we could see the seaweed and rocks very easily.
The ferries from the mainland arrive around 11am, so getting to the site early was important to us. We did just fine. Once we arrived, there were only a few others milling about. Hiking up to the ancient site was a pleasure with the chilly air and beautiful views. Once again, we were surrounded by rock wall fences in every direction.
We locked the bikes not knowing who would arrive later and mess with them.
The ancient fort of Dun Aengus.
This is an aerial shot taken from the Red Bull cliff diving page. Link Here
We arrived at the top to terrific views across the sea. Somehow, the clouds were nonexistent which was a change for us.
Margaux channeling the ancient power of the sea and rock.
Me inside the fort.
The fort walls are still intact 5,200 years later!
We kept running into this traveler. We never got his name, but he was a retired teacher very interested in the sites just like us.
Kleine Maus even made an appearance.
After touring the site, we walked back down and poked around in the shops down below. We talked to the lady in the jewelry shop for a bit about Gaelic pronunciations. She was a comical local that also found humor messing around with us as well. After making a few purchases, we headed to the Wormhole.
Descending from the fort.
Andrew mounted his trusty steed.
The Wormhole is an interesting geological formation at the sea where the locals do massive cliff diving. It became so popular that Red Bull cliff diving is now held here. Not only was the natural rectangular pool impressive, but the surrounding rocks seemed like they were from another planet.
The hike out to the Wormhole. It was longer than expected, but well worth the time spent admiring the trail.
Super overhanging rock everywhere.
It rained the night before filling the ground pools with fresh water.
I had no idea the Wormhole was going to be so impressive. It looks like the rectangular pool was man made somehow, but it's not. The lime stone shears off in perfect right angles and lines. How weird!
A panoramic shot of the area.
This is from the Red Bull site.
After the bike ride, we had a marvelous lunch at Joe Watty's pub. There was plenty of bike parking out front.
Oysters!
We went home and rested for a little bit after returning the bikes. After eating dinner at our apartment, we walked back to Joe Watty's for the awesome music that would be happening at about 7pm.
Guys we met later in the evening. Funny guys for sure.
James, Me, Killian, and Andrew
Tomorrow we have to leave this beautiful island and head to Galway. I could spend a lot more time out here on Inis Mor for sure.
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